1 I n Yahweh, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain!”

In the Lord I am safe. How can you say to me, “Fly away as a bird to your mountain?

2 F or, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

For look, the sinful raise their bow. They make their arrow ready on the string to shoot in the dark against the pure in heart.

3 I f the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

If the base of the building is destroyed, what can those who are right with God do?”

4 Y ahweh is in his holy temple. Yahweh is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.

The Lord is in His holy house. The Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes see as He tests the sons of men.

5 Y ahweh examines the righteous, but the wicked and him who loves violence his soul hates.

The Lord tests and proves those who are right and good and those who are sinful. And His soul hates the one who loves to hurt others.

6 O n the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

He will send down fire upon the sinful. Fire and sulphur and burning wind will be the cup they will drink.

7 F or Yahweh is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.

For the Lord is right and good. He loves what is right and good. And those who are right with Him will see His face.